The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush as it departs Naval Station Norfolk for its maiden deployment on May 11, 2011.

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ordered to Persian Gulf in Wake of Iraq Unrest

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to the Persian Gulf on Saturday to “protect” American lives and interests during terror flare-ups in several Iraqi towns.

The order gives President Barack Obama “additional flexibility” in case military measures are required to safeguard Americans in Iraq, said Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby.

"What we've seen indicates Iraq's going to need more help, from us and from the international community," Obama said Wednesday. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney clarified that the president was speaking about air strikes.

The USS George H.W. Bush — accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun — is expected to arrive on the Gulf late Saturday, Kirby said.

— Elisha Fieldstadt

Jim Miklaszewski and Courtney Kube of NBC News contributed to this report.

U.S. Navy via Reuters

The aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush transits the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea in this Feb. 27, 2014 photo provided by the U.S. Navy.